The ideal body weight (IBW) formula, developed by Dr. B.J. Hamwi, provides an estimated weight range based on height. For example, a woman who is 5’5″ would have an IBW of 125 pounds, with a range of 110-140 pounds (allowing for individual variation). This method utilizes a base weight for a given height and adds or subtracts a fixed amount for each inch above or below that height.
This estimation offers a useful baseline in healthcare settings, informing assessments related to nutritional needs, medication dosages, and overall health evaluations. While not a definitive measure of health, and acknowledging the limitations of using height alone as a determinant of ideal weight, the method’s simplicity and speed have contributed to its widespread adoption across various medical disciplines. Its historical context lies in a time preceding readily accessible body composition analysis technology, serving as a quick and convenient estimation tool.
